The France international centre-back has managed less than 30 minutes of Premier League football this season after sustaining a serious knee injury last term, but is ready to fight for his place in Antonio Conte’s plans.

"My aim is to impose myself at Chelsea,” he told beIN Sports. “When I came to the club two-and-a-half years ago, I had a desire to continue here. I'm very happy. I've never focused much on the future. I think more to the present, with the squad, which is very good and which is going well. We want to do great things.”

The 22-year-old, however, indicated that a temporary move away may be required if he is to feature in Didier Deschamps’ plans for World Cup 2018, which France moved a step closer to on Friday as they defeated Luxembourg 3-1 away from home.

"A loan before the World Cup? Why not. We'll see at the end of the season, but I'm focusing on Chelsea,” he said.

“I'm confident and I know I will play. I've not talked about my future with Antonio Conte."

Zouma signed forChelsea from Saint-Etienne in 2014 and has played 66 times for the Blues since moving to England.